Snow It All has never been great with weather, meteorology was not my forte at school. But you don't have to be Tim Bailey to know that the Polar Vortex that trapped the cold air in Antarctica this winter has broken down and headed to New Zealand. Translated? The South Island of New Zealand copped a whole lot of fresh dry winter snow last week with more on the way.

Even better news for Australians is the weak New Zealand dollar. At time of writing, one Aussie dollar equalled $1.30 in Kiwi money. Put simply, a day lift pass to the best family mountain in New Zealand, Cardrona, will set you back $68 Aussie dollars.

If you pour your hard earned Aussie dollars into the ski resorts of Canterbury then you'll also be doing your bit to help the earth shaken up folk and economy of Christchurch and surrounds.

Save money, give back and ski powder? That's a winner.

Read on for how to make the most of NZ's late winter and failing dollar.

Accommodation is traditionally the wallet killer in Australian ski fields. New Zealand's Queenstown resort has the benefit of being a year-round alpine retreat that considers summer to be its peak season. Lodges, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts have 12 months instead of four to break even which means better value for sleepover money for Australian skiers.

With the Aussie dollar gaining almost an extra third you can afford to sleep in five-star comfort. Wotif.co.nz has the uber-luscious The Spire Hotel at NZ$576 per night. Which when converted means you're getting one of the best rooms in town for AU$440.

No Australian alpine resort hotel room even comes close to The Spire's style, design and square-metre space, and you can be guaranteed if Australia did they'd be charging triple for it. Similarly The Rees apartment hotel on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown is NZ$190 on Wotif. Converted? AU$145 for contemporary luxury. The Crowne Plaza Queenstown? NZ$199 or AU$152 for location, location, location. I could go on but you get the picture.

This week's blog, however, does come with a warning. New Zealand is a fickle weather beast and can change in an instant. The South Island alone has many microclimates meaning while it's snowing at Mt Hutt it could be raining at Treble Cone and vice versa.

Snow It All has had her best Australasian ski day ever in New Zealand on September 24 in 2007 when a similar storm from Antarctica dumped 40cm of super-dry, super-light snow in one night. With access to a helicopter, we had face shots all day under a bluebird sky.

These New Zealand mountains are not ordinary mountains either, the Southern Alps run 450km north-to-south on the South Island and 16 of these alpine peaks reach over 3000 metres. Not that you'll be resort skiing at that altitude. The main ski resorts of New Zealand in Queenstown and Wanaka don't break the 2000-metre-mark.

The pick of the storm season has to be Mt Ruapehu, the active volcano that acts as the belly button of the North Island. It's four hours from Auckland and home to Whakapapa and Turoa, which combined offer the largest commercial skiing area in New Zealand (1050 hectares). Did we mention Turoa's 722 metres of vertical? The most in Australia and New Zealand.

They've been hammered by the storm up north last week, closing for eight days straight. The result? Over a metre of fresh snow and a snow base now boasting well over two metres. Better yet, their Spring Season pass is a mere NZ$199 and they're not slated till close till the end of October with rumours of an extension till November 7. Though again be warned the alone volcano is exposed to the elements which means plan for some down days in the 'carrot capital' town of Ohakune.

Queenstown's Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski fields and Wanaka's Cardrona and Treble Cone all boast over a metre base. Coronet Peak announced this week plans to extend their season closing date to October 10 to match the Remarkables whose closing date is the same.

Further north, a mere hour from Christchurch, sits Mt Hutt's 365 hectares of skiable terrain. The mountain currently has good skiing with a two metre base and plans to remain open until October 17.

Mt Hutt is also the gateway to the clubfields. Regular readers will know that I have a love-hate relationship with the Canterbury clubfields. They are by far one of my favourite places to ski in the world. Super-cheap lift passes, no lift queues, rustic lodges where everyone pitches in and brings their own sleeping bag accommodation. On a good day, Craigieburn and Temple Basin clubfields can proudly stand side by side with the world's best lift accessed backcountry resorts. Trouble is you can't bet on Mother Nature.

Last year I experienced seven days of torrential rain, gale force winds that closed lifts and blue ice that stopped skiers, the year before I got powder perfect turns every time, the year before I had to claw my way through avalanche debris to get to the good stuff. This year? It's game on at Mt Olympus, Porters, Broken River, Craigieburn, Temple Basin and their friends who reaped many centimetres of snow rewards. Check out the Chill website for snow reports on all the club fields or take a multi day guided tour with Symon and Heather from Black Diamond Safaris.

If you have ever dreamt of heli-skiing then this is the time to do it. A helicopter will get you to the best snow on offer with no lift queues guaranteed. Five runs with Methven Heli Ski in the phenomenal Arrowsmiths Range is NZ$925. With the exchange rate it's around AU$700.

Southern Lakes Heli Ski runs out of both Queenstown and Wanaka. Their 'classic day' package of four runs is worth a crazy AU$626. But wait, there's more. Mention Snow It All and they'll knock a further 15 per cent off any package this spring. That's AU$533 for a 'classic day'.

With up to three weeks left till the end of the NZ ski season the weather gods may well be conspiring with the Greenback to keep an Indian winter in Australian travellers' favour.

Heard of any great deals in New Zealand? Where's your favourite place to ski or snowboard in New Zealand? Would you consider crossing the ditch this spring? Why would you ski or ride in NZ? Post a comment on the blog below.

Photo: taking the lift at Treble Cone.

JOIN US OR SPONSOR OUR TEAM FOR OCSOBER

Snow It All recently wrote about the binge drinking culture of the snow. So it's only fitting we're taking part in Ocsober raising funds for Life Education who educate youth about the dangers of binge drinking.

Snow It All is remaining sober for October and is inviting YOU to join her team and do it too or sponsor the Snow It All team with dome dosh here. To join the team the password is 'winter.'

Follow Miss Snow It All on Twitter for daily snow news and join her Facebook Fan Page.

This little piggy can't do her ski pants up and is skiing with her fly at half mast. To put it simply my muffin top is now a flan. I wouldn't mind if the extra poundage was due to some seriously good meals but I've spent most of the season at the Australian snowfields where flavour, nutrition and value for money don't always go hand in pudgy hand.

The snowfields have a captive market and they know it. Once you're in an Australian ski resort or on a New Zealand mountain it's a long drive back to the local fruit market to get some fresh food. The same long drive the mountains use as an 'excuse' for the high cost of bottled water, hot chips or a chocolate bar.

I have had some shockers this season including reheated pre-packaged curry served up as an almost $30 main with a microwave crumble from a frozen box for a dessert. Then there was the on-mountain nachos that came with guacamole from a tub and a chef's hair in the corn chips (noice).

The icing on the value for nutrient cake came when I asked a cafe if they had anything healthy while perusing their display case. The owner answered 'yes we have cookies and muffins'. Clearly the Heart Foundation (and MasterChef) hasn't made it above the snowline.

Read on for the best and the worst of food on the snowfields.

Okay, okay, so we're not in Europe where you can dine on Michelin Stars at six restaurants in Courchevel in France or in the South Tyrol region of Italy's Dolomites where 16 Michelin stars are served up in various restaurants.

I do, however, expect to get some decent fodder that doesn't offend my taste buds at a price that doesn't send my bank manager into shock. Snow cuisine in Australia and New Zealand is divided into 'on mountain' and 'in village' and I am constantly surprised by what the locals in both areas call good.

Yes, I know it's relative and a restaurant may be good by local comparison, but if it doesn't stand alone in a city where competition is fierce then it doesn't really rate. Big fish in small ponds constantly need to lift their game when the visiting fish come from larger lakes.

I am also aware that resort staff are seasonal and service may be substandard but staff motivation comes from the top, and the top is the owner who also has the most to win and lose so get motivating.

There are of course stand outs. The Wild Brumby Distillery on the Alpine Way in New South Wales is stylish and quirky with good hearty Austrian food and equally good service. The design of the copper still, restaurant interior, exterior decks and surrounding fields with fun sculptures is contemporary and captivating and the schnapps tasting hits the spot for a long languid lunch (and yes I have paid for everything I've ever eaten here).

It reminds me of Amisfield Winery between Queenstown and Arrowtown that serves fresh local produce on tasting plates in a sun-drenched courtyard or in leather chairs by the fire. The food here is top notch and would put many urban dining establishments to shame. No, I haven't been shouted meal here either.

Queenstown's Fergburger is a food success story that many in Australia could learn from. You won't find chefs hats or stars here, nor will you find white linen and Riedel glasses.

The burger bar serves what the people want - big bountiful quality meat including beef, lamb and chicken on fresh baked bread buns with real gourmet fillings with little waiting time. Yep, paid for every mouthful I've inhaled here at three in the morning too.

Thredbo's Merritt's Mountain House has consistently been top of my list for fresh mountain fare presented with style and panache. The food here has always been a good range of healthy options mixed with some sinful pleasures from freshly squeezed juices and lamb shanks to iced cupcakes and macaroni and cheese.

The Schatzle family who put Merritt's Mountain House on the food map have hospitality in their veins. When Kareela Hutte at Thredbo was in it's hay day a long time ago with good service, good food and drunken lunches that have become legendary it was the Schatzle's behind the bar.

When they took over Merritt's the Mountain House came into it's own. Sadly they've sold it and at last dining it was starting to show. We just hope the Schatzles haven't left alpine cuisine for good or I will have to start packing sandwiches.

Hotham's Dinner Plain's alpine complex also got it right with a series of restaurants that satiate a demanding Melbourne palate. It is worth the 15-minute drive for Cilantro for tapas alone and while Tsubo is seriously good Japanese fusion, it can be inconsistent. The same can't be said for First Resort at Jack Frost who continues to raise the bar up in the village.

Falls Creek have Chef Michael Newby at Summit Ridge Lodge who has won the establishment many awards including Best Regional Restaurant 2010 for Informal Dining from the Restaurant and Catering Awards. One taste of his oxe tongue entree and you'll know why. The good news is if you ski in Japan you'll find him at The Phoenix in Hakuba.

It must be disclosed that Snow It All is personal friends with the Executive Chef Hayden Ellerton at Terrace Restaurant in The Denman at Thredbo, though it also must be noted I wasn't before I tried his Beetroot Raviolo. Hayden trained under Peter Doyle at 'est' and I'm a sucker for superb food. The Terrace may well be the first alpine restaurant in Australia to get a chef's hat.

Don't take my word for it, I've been shouted too many a meal by the generous Ed Denny who doesn't like to dine alone. Just note that two-chef's-hat-winning restauranteur Giovanni Pilu was spotted here three nights running and celebrity chef Pete Evans applauded the same raviolo that I have returned for.

So good food can be done at the snow but why is it so hard to find? Why do you have to pay big bucks or don some swanky clothes for fine dining to get a decent meal?

I say ban all microwaves, bring in some bowls of fruit as an alternative to sausage rolls, danishes and muffins for a mid-morning snack, train your staff, stop fobbing off pre-packaged reheated meals and understand that plastic sliced cheese should never be used on a toastie melt.

What are your thoughts on food at the Australian and New Zealand snowfields? Post a comment on the blog below. Have you had a good experience or a bad experience? What's your favourite eatery in your resort?

JOIN US OR SPONSOR OUR TEAM FOR OCSOBER

Snow It All recenty wrote about the binge drinking culture of the snow. So it's only fitting that Snow It All puts her money where her mouth is. We're taking part in Ocsober raising funds for Life Education who educate youth about the dangers of binge drinking.

Snow It All is remaining sober for October and is inviting YOU to join her team and do it too or sponsor the Snow It All team with dome dosh here. To join the team the password is 'winter.'

Follow Miss Snow It All on Twitter for daily snow news and join her Facebook Fan Page.

When I sent out an email asking my snow contacts for 'unsung heroes of the snow' I received the following reply.

"You show me someone in the snow who doesn't sing their own praises and I'll show you a flying elephant."

He had a fair point. The snow tends to attract a self-gratifying crowd where self-praisers talk themselves up at apres hour.

There are some alpine folk, however, who are integral in keeping Australia's snow industry alive and are simply too busy with the task of getting on with it to send a press release to the world about themselves. They don't even have a Facebook account.

Then there are those who spend their spare hours fund raising or giving back to the community, or training to represent their country, or saving lives on a daily basis. I for one stand humbled before them

So prepare to bring out Dumbo my cynical friend.

Read on to nominate your unsung hero of the snow.

Every ski resort around the world has a founding fathers story but I figure the founding fathers have had their share of praise. Not that we deny them their years in the sun, if it wasn't for them we wouldn't be schussing in each winter. For that we snow salute you.

While discussing this topic I was told by one person that the unsung heroes must go to an older crowd but then we'd miss out on the likes of 33-year-old Manuela Berchtold who represented Australia in the moguls in the Salt Lake City and Torino Olympics and has founded, and fundraises tirelessly for, the "Future Olympians Scholarship Programme" for budding athletes in the Snowy Mountains Region.

We wouldn't also mention Susan and Steve Henshaw (yes they are the parents of champion athlete Russ) who dedicate hours of their lives and square metres of their home to saving orphaned wildlife from the road kill known as the Alpine Way in the Kosciuszko National Park as guardians for LAOKO. Their home is a residential orphan zoo of Australian marsupials.

However, the real unsung heroes of the snow this season have been the snowmakers who worked their proverbial off to ensure Australians had something decent to ski on in the snow drought month of July. It is a testimony to their work that any lifts were turning at all in an abysmal month of little if any natural snow.

Anyone who has been injured at the snow knows some other unsung heroes of the snow are ski patrol. Many work purely on a volunteer basis and those that don't are certainly not raking in the big bucks. If you can ski down a 45-degree-plus pitch while dragging a sled filled with precious damaged cargo behind you, without further damaging that cargo, then you deserve a pay rise.

Bill Barker and his ski patrol crew in the Victorian powder capital Mt Hotham were integral in saving the GM of Operations, Lendo, when he was buried in mud and water when the ticket office was taken out by a mudslide this season. Did we mention Bill spends his summer seasons volunteering and training Indian ski patrol in Kashmir, Gulmarg?

The marketing crew at Australia's largest resort Perisher think lifties are the true unsung heroes, and we don't disagree. Pushing rain sodden butts onto lifts, loading t-bars for days on end in blizzards, picking people up from the ice-laden ground and doing it all with a smile. Now, that takes skill and dedication.

There's not enough word count in this blog to define the ultimate unsung hero so we'll list a handful in the hope it will inspire you to think of your own and share their names and achievements with us.

Tommy Tomasi arrived in Australia post World War II, fleeing the Italian fascists. He founded Thredbo Ski Patrol (the first in Australia) and is over 80 years of age, still skiing and still involved in the Ski Patrol. He inspired Rebel Penfold Russell's documentary on his life.

Disabled Wintersport Australia founded by Ron Finneran and Bruce Abel. If you thought getting support, exposure and funding for Alpine Racing in Australia was tough, try it for disabled winter sports. The DWA provides opportunities for all people with disabilities to enjoy winter sports at the resorts of Australia.

"Dr Steve" (Breathour) has both medical centres in Thredbo and Perisher, was the first medico on the scene at the Thredbo landslide and raised much needed funds for the Thredbo Memorial Community Centre. All the local kids have grown up with him and he's known for his classic one-liners that instantly relieve pain with seriously black humour.

Mike Rishworth is a Mt Buller alpine racer and regularly trains at the Victorian resort. He is arguably our best skier currently competing. He won the coveted 'yellow bib' on the Continental Cup given to the best overall competitor and awarding him an automatic start number of 31 in the Europa cup and an automatic start on the World Cup. Watch this space.

Peter Canning is a Mt Hotham icon and commonly known as 'Diesel.' He is a well-known character on the mountain and as the local RACV guy has helped thousands get going again in blizzards, rain, ice, wind and sunshine conditions. If it's broken, Diesel will fix it.

Nominate your own unsung hero of the snow. Who do you think deserves accolades, kudos, a round of applause or a pat on the back in the snow industry?

Photo credit: Ken Robertson

Keep our winter athletes and snow journos sober this October

Snow It All recenty wrote about the binge drinking culture of the snow. So it's only fitting that Snow It All puts her money where her mouth is. We're taking part in Ocsober raising funds for Life Education who educate youth about the dangers of binge drinking.

Snow It All is remaining sober for October and is inviting YOU to join her team and do it too or sponsor the Snow It All team with dome dosh here. To join the team the password is 'winter.'

Australia's number one freestyle chick skier and Winter X Games gold medallist, Anna Segal, has joined the team! Read about it here at her blog.

White men can jump

Here's a pic of international freeski god and two time Winter X Games champion, Bobby 'I'm only-19' Brown, hitting the One Hit Wonder 90-foot jump in Thredbo this week shot by Darren Teasdale. The jump is mammoth madness and has already claimed two ankles and a collarbone. Vote on their website to win a snow trip to Japan.

Follow Miss Snow It All on Twitter for daily snow news and join her Facebook Fan Page.

Final snow tip of the week. New Zealand! It's finally game on this season in an erratic winter. A massive snow storm is set to dump buckets of dry snow onto the Queenstown and Wanaka ski fields so grab a last minute flight and get yourself across the ditch. Better yet, get yourself into a helicopter once you get there. Word is it will be epic.

'Apres' is French for binge drinking when folks in Europe ski into slopeside pubs and straight into bottles of foul-tasting rocket-fuel-style schnapps that only come out when the temperature is below zero. The Europeans invented skiing and they invented the drinking that goes with it.

Australians are already known for our lassez-faire attitude towards the booze bottle (a barbie ain't a barbie, mate without a keg or ten) so it would be rude not to drink at the Australian snow fields, right?

It is, after all, a badge of honour to be refused service at Buller's Kooroora Pub or Thredbo's Keller Bar where feet, and integrity, religiously stick to the floor. If you're refused service here, you must be hammered.

Nowhere else in the world, outside of Ibiza, is boozing so revered as at a ski resort. Jaigermeister have no doubt made most of their billions above the snow line and the invention of the shot ski (a ski with four or five shot glasses soldered to it) encourages the communal love in through the bottle.

It's all good fun, right? Till someone gets hurt, their drink gets spiked or they die.

Read on for more sobering facts about the drinking culture at the snow.

Those of you who know me know that Snow It All is partial to an apres beverage. I am the first to dance on the table and the last to leave the nightclub, I'll sing with the band and shout the bar, I'll don gear from the fancy dress box at the first opportunity.

Put simply I am a cash cow to any barman that sees me coming. But if you saw me at the snow you wouldn't believe me when I say "I don't drink at home in the city", but truth is, I never or rarely do.

Like me, thousands of holiday makers hit the snow for their seven-day schussfest and leave their inhibitions at the National Park gate. And why not? They've spent thousands for the privilege of throwing their body at breakneck speeds down unforgiving terrain and living to tell the tale at schnappy hour.

Snow towns are closed communities, more so if they are ski-in, ski-out and up on the mountain. They are like giant house parties where what goes on snow tour stays on snow tour, where the guy at the bar is your new best friend, where love grows on chance chairlift meetings and where mulled wine and liquor shot bond people.

Snow towns are also dangerous. When you lose your inhibitions and get exposed to the elements after dark hypothermia can set in if you don't stay inside. Drunk revellers have been known to wander off disorientated in the belief they're heading home to bed instead of the snow drift they have their last sleep in.

Australian Scott McKay left a bar in Niseko Japan in sub-zero temperatures in February 2009 and his body wasn't found until April after the snow thawed. A similar incident happened in Mt Buller this season when a man died of hypothermia after leaving a bar and losing his way home.

It's not just the drinking you have to look out for either. Where there's a party and there's booze there will be drugs and drink spiking. I can personally attest to having my drink spiked in a ski town and if it wasn't for a fast-acting sober friend I may not be alive now to write this column.

It was a terrifying experience that ended in hospital after an impending sense of doom and an absolute self conviction that I was going to die. I was lost, incoherent and petrified - but thankfully not raped and not dead.

The worst thing was I was scared of reporting it. Why? Because in true Anglo style I didn't want to make a 'fuss' and being someone who is the life of the party at the snow I was scared no one would believe me, or worse, think I deserved it. Kind of like the girl in the short skirt defending her clothing choice after being raped.

The New South Wales police website fact sheet on drink spiking warns of the dangers of alcohol being spiked with Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine but also focuses on the dangers of alcohol being spiked with alcohol. Many 'friends' will upload friends drinks with vodka and tequila that can't be detected in sweeter flavoured beverages and Reach Out Australia reports that one in four hospitalisations of 15-25 year-olds happen because of the deadliest drug of all, alcohol.

I'm not saying don't drink, who am I to deny you a cleansing ale after a thigh burning run? Minimising risk is about minimising exposure but I for one don't want to stop dancing on the bar so I am saying look out for your friends.

When I wandered off after my drink spiking I wandered off outside and alone and I know very well the dangers of hypothermia, exposure and the elements. When under the influence anything can happen and sense goes out the window.

Buy your own drinks and don't put them down out of sight or simply drink from bottles you open yourself. Carry a phone at all times and program it with the local ski towns emergency contacts then make a pact with your friends that none of you will leave without telling the others. You may even want to carry a Recco GPS locating system in your pocket to help authorities find you if you do fall into a snow bank.

Holidays are about letting loose, yes, but they are also staying safe in the process. Here endeth the lesson.

Do you have a drink spiking incident? Have you done things under the influence of alcohol at the snow that you would never dream of doing back home? Why do you think there is such a drinking culture at the snow? Post a comment on the blog below we'd love to hear your thoughts.

We're taking part in Ocsober raising funds for Life Education who educate youth about the dangers of binge drinking.

Snow It All is remaining sober for October and is inviting YOU to join her team and do it too or sponsor the Snow It All team with dome dosh here. To join the team the password is 'winter.'

Australia's number one freestyle chick skier and Winter X Games gold medallist, Anna Segal, has joined the team! Read about it here at her blog.

SPRING SKIING

Spring skiing is still going strong in Australia and New Zealand this season so get in while you can. Perisher's King of the Mountain Big Air is on this Saturday but if you can't get to the snow then participate online in two Australian events.

Win big at The Toyota One Hit Wonder Event in Thredbo next week with international free skier, Salomon's Bobby Brown who is bringing his rock star status to the biggest jump in Australia. Can't get down to watch? Vote on the website for the best 'one hit jump' from September 18 and go into the draw to WIN a ski trip to Niseko Japan with Deep Powder Tours and a Salomon ski and snowboard kit.

Vote for your favourite team, NSW or Victoria, in the Mt Buller inaugural SoO Airtime film ski and snowboard competition. You won't win anything but your state will so support them where you can.

Follow Miss Snow It All on Twitter for daily snow news and join her Facebook Fan Page.

Readers of Snow It All are in for some exclusive discounted September treats at the snow this season.

I am a snow sceptic from way back. When a snow reporter declares the snow as 'dry as Colorado' with 'face shots for all' I guffaw into my neck gater but even I could not deny the snow conditions in Australia the past week.

I stand on my grandmother's grave and honestly declare I skied the best resort snow I have skied in Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday last week and I will even go so far as to say the snow was as light and dry as any snow I have skied in the world bar Japan.

August finally came through with the snow goods saving the snow industry in 2010 after a super dry July that had the ski industry in despair. Both the Victorian and New South Wales ski fields recorded almost two and a half metres of snow fall in August alone.

It was the snowiest August in twenty five years and all signs lead to more snow on the way in September. Even better news is the lack of lift queues as the season moves into spring so get your ski and snowboard butt down to the Aussie alps. If you held off on your winter holiday this year, now is the time to score both some serious snow and some serious savings. The beach will always be there, the snow will not.

Miss Snow It All likes to share the love so I've done the search for you for the best deals on offer at Australia's ski fields this September including deals exclusive for Snow It All readers only.

Read on for some mega savings for Snow It All readers during this epic September snow month.

Skiing and snowboarding is not cheap but with all this late season snow the last laugh is with the consumer as September is traditionally 'value' season. Expect loads of fresh tracks all to yourself if you go south to the Australian Alps this September. Plus two exclusive Thredbo deals are being offered in September for Snow It All readers only!

The stylish Kara's Apartments at Thredbo are skipping distance to the village square and have an exclusive offer just for Snow It All readers.

Mention you read about the deal on this blog and you can be enjoying five nights for two (Sunday to Friday) in a self contained studio apartment with separate kitchenette, king size bed, plasma tv, DVD and Ipod docking station plus a welcome bottle of Wild Brumby Schnapps and some Snowy Mountain Cookies for a mere $875. 02 6457 6385.

The Denman is home to Thredbo's famous Apres Bar and the gourmet delights of the hottest restaurant in town, the hat worthy Terrace restaurant. Book in for three nights mid week in September and ski for free.

Guests receive a two day lift pass for each person on a twin share basis with breakfast daily. Book in for four nights and receive three day lift passes and book in for five nights and receive a four day pass each. From $620 per person for three nights. Mention Snow It All and receive a dinner for two to the value of $120. 02 6457 6222.

Perisher is known for it's Spring Carnival festivities, including the annual hilarity of the Pub to Pub race. The Spring Carnival kicks off on September 5 and The Station resort has a deal to book for three nights, stay for four from $399 per adult including three breakfasts, one dinner and a three day lift pass per person. Call 1300 369 909

If you're travelling with a family then you'll love this deal. The ski in ski out Smiggins Hotel has big family savings. Kids stay and eat free in a Mountain View family room for five nights including breakfast and dinner daily. Cost? $2170. Call 1300 369 909.

Ride or ski every day from now to the end of the season at Hotham for only $549 per adult and $275 per child with the Spring Pass. Package three or more nights with Hotham Holidays accommodation and get up to fifty percent off lift and lesson or lift, lesson and hire deals.

Ski in and ski out at Zirky's wifh five nights accommodation from September 10 in a two bedroom apartment with five day lift pass, equipment hire, group lessons from $769 per adult and $669 per child based on eight share. Booking code: V5NHERZ. Call 1800 HOTHAM or email holidays@hotham.com.au.

Falls Creek has never been known for it's advanced terrain and has long attracted a family crowd who like to cruise the beginner and intermediate runs. Olympian Steve Lee has finally provided something for the more advanced skier with half day backcountry ski and snowboard tours into the fresh tracks on Mt McKay and the tree runs of the back bowls.

He personally designed the 'straddle' sled which is pulled by a skidoo. Skiers and boarders take in some turns led by Steve himself before being picked up by the skidoo and transported back up for a fresh run. How much? $129 per person plus lift pass.

Simon and Wendy Rawlings at Summit Ridge Alpine Lodge in Falls Creek are gracious hosts with big hearts and a nose for wine and food. The lodge restaurant recently won 'Best Restaurant 2010' for dining in the regional section of the Restaurant and Catering Excellence Awards.

The lodge has a three night September package in a mezzanine suite with three dinners and three breakfasts plus three day lift pass, group lessons and ski or board rental from September 11 for $836 per adult and $608 per child. 03 5758 3800 or ski@summitridge.com.au

Mt Buller's Spring Season Pass offers some of the best value on the snow. Skiers and boarders get unlimited access to Mt Buller terrain from September through to the end of the season in October for $499 per adult and $269 per child aged up to Year 12.

A three night accommodation and three day adult lift and lesson pass at the YHA is $325 per person miweek and $345 per peron on weekends. The 4.5 star Mt Buller Chalet Hotel has three night three day lift and lesson packages for $500 per person mid week and a child rate of $188 per person.

Have you experienced the epic snow conditions in Australia right now? Have you heard of a great deal at the snow in September? Share your this season snow stories and your best budget deals for spring skiing on the blog comments below.

Follow Miss Snow It All on Twitter for daily snow news and join her Facebook Fan Page.